Everett schools compiling wish list for next bond

The Everett School District is considering what construction projects to include in a bond issue scheduled to go to voters in February.

Projects currently getting high consideration are both a new elementary school and a new high school in the southern part of the school district, which is experiencing rapid growth.

The public will get a chance to learn more about these and other projects being considered during open houses scheduled tonight in Everett and Wednesday in Mill Creek.

A new elementary school probably needs to be built within the next five years, said Jeff Russell, school board president.

A new high school also is being considered for the district’s south end, he said. That could be accomplished by either building a new high school or converting Gateway Middle School into a new high school, and then building a new middle school, he said.

High school enrollment in the district is expected to grow by more than 650 students over the next nine years. That means about 27 new high school classrooms are needed in the central and southern end of the school district.

A number of other projects are being considered at schools throughout the district, including a major remodel at North Middle School in north Everett, Russell said.

“Whatever is done there would be a significant upgrade and it will include al new classroom space,” he said. If the improvements at the middle school get final approval, it would likely be the largest construction project in the northern portion of the district, he said.

Other projects being considered include upgrades to both the Everett and Cascade high school’s cafeterias and installation of turf fields at Jackson and Cascade high schools. The school district selected D.A Hogan and Associates of Seattle as the consultant for the turf projects in June.

The last major project undertaken by the district is the new administration building on Broadway, which is still under construction. The $23.8 million project is being paid for by a variety of sources, including about $12.8 million from state matching funds saved from previous school construction projects and $11 million from rent, past property sales, interest and rebates from utilities grants.

The school board is scheduled to get recommendations on which projects to include in the bond issue from its Facilities Advisory Council at its Oct. 22 meeting. A final vote on the projects is expected at the board’s Nov. 26 meeting.

Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.

Open houses

Two meetings are schedule this week so the public can learn more about proposed building projects in the Everett School District.

The first is scheduled from 6 to 8 tonight at North Middle School cafeteria, 2514 Rainier Ave. in Everett.